Gromit has arrived at Brabazon! And as ‘The Birds’ flew into the neighbourhood, four-year old Leon, a Brabazon resident and former Bristol Children’s Hospital patient, was treated to a sneak preview.

We have been lucky enough to have The Birds designed by local artist Hannah Bone. It took her 164 hours to lovingly create the 50 feathery friends, including 28 full colour birds and some stunning silhouettes.   

Split Image - one of Hannah painting 'The Birds' and one with the final design.
Local Artist Hannah Bone with 'The Birds'.


 
Hannah said: “I’m very inspired by wildlife and birds are my favourite so this was my dream design to work on.  My favourite is the magpie feeding a worm to its chicks on the side of Gromit’s face. I also like the peacock on his back end - all of those feathers were worth the effort in the end!” 

Leon, who has lived at Brabazon for two years was so excited to get to see Gromit first.  As a baby, he spent a month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Bristol Children’s Hospital and his mum Harriet has since become a Bristol Children’s Hospital fundraiser.

Leon and his older brother JJ with 'The Birds'.
Leon and his older brother JJ with 'The Birds'.

Leon’s mum, Harriet said: “Leon is so excited about a Gromit Unleashed sculpture coming to Brabazon and to have one almost on our actual doorstep! Having experienced such amazing care at Bristol Children’s Hospital, it is also good to know that Brabazon is raising money for The Grand Appeal which is such a special cause.” 
 
“In 2023, I did a tandem skydive at 15,000 feet raising £500 for The Grand Appeal. It was one minute of free falling and it was terrifying!  But I would definitely do it all over again!” 
 
Visitors to the ‘The Birds’ can win a range of prizes by completing ‘The Cracking Adventure Trail at Brabazon’ or by submitting their pictures to the ‘Say Cheese and Crackers’ photo competition. 

There will be regular pop-ups by Bristol’s favourite bakery and coffee shop Mokoko and fresh farm ice-cream from Marshfield Farm. 

On Saturday 19th July, everyone is welcome to come along to a ‘Great Day Out’ at Brabazon, where visitors can get creative with free artist workshops, circus performances and enjoy live music on The Green next to our sculpture!  

Jon McDiarmid, Director at YTL Developments, said: "We’re so excited to introduce ‘The Birds’ and we can’t wait to welcome our residents and the public to see it for themselves– it will certainly put a smile on their faces.” 

Helen Haskell, Head of Fundraising - Corporate, The Grand Appeal added: "Leon’s story is a powerful reminder of why our work matters. We’re thrilled that he, and the Brabazon community, are now part of Gromit Unleashed 3. Every sculpture helps us raise vital funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital. We’re so grateful to Brabazon for their support. Together, we’re helping to make a real difference to young lives." 

‘The Birds’ is joined by other amazing sculptures to tick off on the North Bristol part of Gromit Unleashed 3, including at Aerospace Bristol, The Mall and West Country Water Park.